Embark on an extraordinary wildlife journey through the most diverse and untamed landscapes of India, from the mist-shrouded hills of the Eastern Himalayas to the tiger-filled sal forests of central India. This expertly curated itinerary takes you in search of two of the subcontinent’s most iconic and elusive species — the enchanting red panda and the mighty Bengal tiger.
Begin in the high-altitude forests near Manebhanjang, where guided walks with local trackers offer a rare opportunity to observe red pandas in their natural habitat. Continue your adventure with safaris in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its one-horned rhinoceroses and rich birdlife. Then, delve deep into the heart of India’s wilderness with multiple game drives in Kanha National Park, one of the best places on earth to spot Bengal tigers in the wild.
Along the way, enjoy handpicked eco-lodges and jungle resorts, expert naturalist guidance, and the chance to encounter a wealth of other wildlife, from Asian elephants and Indian wild dogs to vibrant hornbills and rare forest songbirds. This immersive experience blends adventure, conservation, and cultural insight — an unforgettable expedition through the wild soul of India.
The short itinerary
Day 1 : BEGIN YOUR INDIAN ADVENTURE: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO DELHI
Day 2 : WELCOME TO INDIA: ARRIVE IN DELHI
Day 3 : INTO THE HIMALAYAS: FLY TO BAGDOGRA & TRANSFER TO MANEBHANJANG
Day 4 : INTO THE MISTY HILLS: FIRST FORAY IN SEARCH OF RED PANDAS
Day 5 : RED PANDA TRACKING & HIMALAYAN BIRDLIFE
Day 6 : FINAL EXPLORATIONS IN RED PANDA TERRITORY
Day 7 : FROM HILLS TO THE BRAHMAPUTRA: FLY TO GUWAHATI
Day 8 : INTO THE WILD GRASSLANDS: JOURNEY TO KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Day 9 : IN SEARCH OF GIANTS: MORNING & AFTERNOON SAFARIS IN KAZIRANGA
Day 10 : ANOTHER DAY IN THE WILD: RHINO ENCOUNTERS & MORE
Day 11 : FROM THE WILD TO THE CITY: FLY TO KOLKATA
Day 12 : INTO THE HEART OF INDIA: FLY TO RAIPUR & JOURNEY TO KANHA
Day 13 : INTO TIGER TERRITORY: FIRST FULL DAY IN KANHA
Day 14 : TRACKING BIG CATS & WILD DOGS
Day 15 : BIRDS OF THE FOREST & FINAL SAFARI
Day 16 : FROM JUNGLE TO CITY: TRANSFER TO NAGPUR
Day 17 : FAREWELL INDIA: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE NEW YORK
Throughout your journey across India’s diverse landscapes, you’ll stay in a curated collection of comfortable city hotels, boutique lodges, and eco-friendly wildlife retreats. Each property has been chosen for its unique character, excellent location, and close proximity to wildlife-rich areas, ensuring both relaxation and immersion in the natural world.
Place |
Accommodation |
Nights |
Delhi |
Vivanta by Taj Dwarka – Modern city hotel near the airport offering comfort and convenience after your international arrival. |
1 |
Manebhanjang |
Shikhar Tarry Lodge – Simple, rustic lodge with panoramic Himalayan views and easy access to red panda territory. |
4 |
Guwahati |
Vivanta by Taj Guwahati – Stylish urban hotel set in landscaped gardens, ideal for a restful stopover. |
1 |
Kaziranga National Park |
Infinity Resort – Tranquil lodge surrounded by forest, perfectly positioned for daily game drives. |
3 |
Kolkata |
Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport – Modern and well-equipped hotel located close to the airport for convenience. |
1 |
Kanha National Park |
Chitvan Jungle Lodge – Eco-conscious lodge offering immersive wildlife experiences and close proximity to safari zones. |
4 |
Nagpur |
Radisson Blu Hotel – Contemporary city hotel offering premium comfort and a relaxing final night stay. |
1 |
Please note: If any of the accommodations listed are unavailable at the time of booking, we will arrange an alternative of similar quality and character to ensure your comfort and experience remain exceptional.
Walking in the Wild: A Comfortable Adventure
This journey has been designed to blend comfortable exploration with deep immersion in nature. Daily activities typically include gentle walks of around 8 kilometres, broken into manageable segments and interspersed with vehicle transfers. Trails vary from misty mountain paths to lowland forest tracks, with the walking pace kept relaxed to suit the terrain and ensure full enjoyment of the surroundings.
High Altitudes, Clear Views
During your time in the Himalayan foothills, you’ll ascend to elevations between 2,100 and 2,700 metres. While this altitude is moderate, some travellers may feel the effects. To ease your transition, the itinerary includes time for gentle acclimatisation on arrival in Manebhanjang, allowing your body to adjust before embarking on longer forest walks in search of red pandas and Himalayan birdlife.
In Search of the Rare & Iconic: Mammals of India
This tour focuses on some of India’s most extraordinary mammals, each thriving in a unique ecosystem. From high-altitude cloud forests to grasslands and sal jungles, you’ll explore habitats that support both endangered species and lesser-known marvels. The elusive red panda, the mighty Bengal tiger, and the prehistoric-looking greater one-horned rhinoceros are the stars of the show, supported by an exciting cast of creatures including:
- Dhole (Indian wild dog) – highly social, fast-moving hunters often seen in Kanha
- Asian elephant – present in both Kaziranga and Kanha, often seen in family groups
- Barasingha (swamp deer) – a conservation success story unique to Kanha
- Leopard – elusive and stealthy, but possible in forested zones
- Nilgai and gaur – robust antelopes and bovines often spotted grazing near the tree line
Birdlife Across Habitats: Colour, Song & Flight
As we traverse India’s varied landscapes — from Himalayan ridges to tropical wetlands and grassland plains — the birdlife is nothing short of spectacular. The diversity of species encountered reflects the range of ecosystems, with vibrant forest birds, powerful raptors, and elegant wetland dwellers all possible. Highlights include:
- Oriental honey buzzard – a quiet predator found in wooded lowlands and hill forests
- Indian roller – a flash of blue wings often seen flitting across rural skies
- Blue whistling thrush – haunting song echoing through the Himalayan valleys
- Crested serpent eagle – a widespread raptor often seen scanning for prey from lofty perches
- Bengal florican – a rare and striking grassland bird, sometimes glimpsed in Kaziranga
- Pallas’s fish eagle – a powerful raptor of rivers and wetlands, best seen in Assam
India’s Shifting Landscapes: A Journey in Contrast
One of the most inspiring aspects of this tour is the constant evolution of scenery. Begin among the cloud-draped rhododendron forests of the Eastern Himalayas, where moss and mist cloak every branch. Descend into the lush riverine grasslands and wetlands of Kaziranga, where elephants roam through tall reeds and wild buffalo bathe in oxbow lakes. Conclude in the classic central Indian landscape of Kanha National Park, where golden meadows, ancient sal forests, and peaceful streams create the archetypal jungle experience.